top of page
Search
  • Writer's pictureAWARE

The mental health benefits of connecting to nature

AWARE x Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds



Thank you to Live Here Love Here for inviting us to join the “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Minds” campaign!


AWARE is the depression charity for Northern Ireland and the only charity working exclusively for those with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. AWARE provides a range of life-saving services for those who are struggling with their mental health as well as offering education and training programmes across the province to raise awareness about the importance of looking after your mental health and well-being.


Today’s blog will be looking at the benefits that getting outdoors and connecting with nature can have for your mental well-being. 1 in 4 of us will experience mental ill-health in our lifetime and there’s no better time to look at the ways we can improve our mental health during these difficult periods of change and uncertainty.


Spending time outside and bringing nature into your everyday life can have many benefits for your mental and physical well-being. One of the Public Health Agency’s ‘Take 5 Steps to Well-being’ advises “Take Notice” encouraging you to pause and take a moment to appreciate the world around you…


“Stop, pause, or take a moment to look around you. What can you see, feel, smell or even taste? Look for beautiful, new, unusual or extraordinary things in your everyday life and think about how that makes you feel.”


Some other benefits of spending time in nature include:


- Improved mood

- Reduced feelings of stress and anger

- Better physical health

- Improved confidence and self-esteem

- A great way to connect with others

- Better sleep


With the introduction of social restrictions due to COVID-19, we will be naturally spending more time indoors and at times, this can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. However, there are lots of fun things you can do to spend some quality time outdoors, breathe in fresh air and let go of any negative thoughts and feelings. Check out some of our top tips below:


- Go for a brisk walk at your local park or beach

- Grow food or flowers in your garden

- Take 10 minutes each day to sit outside and gather your thoughts

- Practice Mindfulness outside, this can have great benefits for your mental health!

Click here for some more information on Mindfulness and its benefits.


So, whatever your plans are this weekend, we encourage you to take some time to connect with nature, get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air. You’ll quickly notice the positive effect of nature on your mental health.


For more information about AWARE, and the services we provide, go to www.aware-ni.org.


Check out some more of our top tips to manage your well-being at home on our YouTube, click here.

34 views0 comments
Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page